People's Academy for Community Engagement

This civic leadership development program is dedicated to teaching hands-on engagement and empowerment skills to emerging leaders in a multicultural environment.

Our vision is "a city government of all people, by all people, and for all people."

PARTICIPANTS

The class is designed for 25-30 emerging leaders who are newly engaged in the community and want to acquire additional skills to be more effective in civic leadership. PACE participants have the opportunity to:

Refine their organizing and communication skills.

Increase the effectiveness of community groups they work with.

Identify resources and avenues to empower communities and neighborhoods.

Learn from key community and civic leaders and build new relationships.

Upon graduation, participants will have refined their skills to be more effective in civic life and in working with community groups in community building and engagement efforts.

PACE CURRICULUM

Each session is taught by facilitators from community and nonprofit organizations along with City of Seattle staff who have expertise in the topic and in facilitating group discussion. Topics include:

Approaches to Leadership

Accessing Government

Community Organizing

Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement

Meeting Facilitation

Public Speaking

Conflict Resolution

Sustaining Involvement

CLASSES

Given the growing popularity of the program, DON will now offer PACE three times a year: winter, spring and fall. Each quarter will have a different type of schedule to accommodate different community needs.

FALL 2017The Fall Quarter begins October 7 and runs through November 4. Classes will occur each Saturday from 10am - 2pm at Yesler Community Center.

WINTER 2018January-March, Dates and Time TBD

SPRING 2018May-June, Dates and Time TBD

APPLICATION & TUITION

Applications are taken on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the deadline approximately 3-4 weeks before class begins. Eligible applicants are evaluated and decisions are made over a few weeks. Applicants will be notified two weeks before the first class of the quarter.

Tuition is $100. Tuition assistance is available to those candidates who are accepted into the program and demonstrate a need for some level of financial assistance. Award amounts are based on the number of requests received and the amount of funds available. Applications for assistance are confidential and have no bearing on the selection process. A minimum contribution of $25 is required.